The fabrication of a carbon nanotube array using a catalyst-poisoning layer in the inverse nano-sphere lithography method

Nanotechnology. 2009 Jul 29;20(30):305303. doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/30/305303. Epub 2009 Jul 7.

Abstract

A new method for the fabrication of periodic CNT arrays was developed in this study, which involves the use of the inverse nano-sphere lithography (INSL) process. Mo of a honeycomb pattern, acting as a catalyst-poisoning layer, was produced by the nano-sphere lithography (NSL) process; the Mo poisoned the catalyst and prevented CNT growth where deposited, and as a result, a periodic CNT pattern was obtained. Using this method, the uniformity of the CNT array can be improved by preventing the negative effect of arrangement defects in self-assembled monolayers. The size and the period of the CNT array can be adjusted by careful selection of the polystyrene (PS) sphere diameter. X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) analysis revealed that the Co catalyst was ineffective on the areas of Mo deposition due to the diffusion of Co into the Mo layer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Cobalt / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Molybdenum / chemistry
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties
  • Titanium / chemistry

Substances

  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Cobalt
  • Molybdenum
  • Titanium